In the days leading up to Hollywood’s biggest night, Oscar nominee Lupita Nyong’o has been seen making the rounds at various parties and events around town — some held in her honor, so she’s already made a number of moving speeches before possibly making one on stage at the Dolby Theatre Sunday night.

The “12 Years a Slave” actress has spoken to a countless number of journalists, well-wishers and fellow actors, but on Wednesday, one unexpected person addressed her: the Dalai Lama. Nyong’o attended a special lunch held for the Dalai Lama, in which he answered questions from the guests, and she was seated in the front row. At one point, the Dalai Lama was discussing spiritual leaders around the world, then suddenly pointed at Nyong’o and asked where she was from. “Kenya,” she replied, and he described his friendship with South Africa’s Desmond Tutu.

He addressed me. I almost died,” Nyong’o said afterward. “It was good to be there and listen to him speak words of wisdom. At the end of the day, his message was about compassion. I think that’s what in many ways, ultimately, ’12 Years a Slave’ is about. It’s about human dignity and action through love rather than fear and hatred.”

Nyong’o said the Dalai Lama was reinforcing the same message in his talk. “It’s good to hear them over and over, especially just reminding yourself what’s important and what’s not.”

As for how she’s maintaining a sense of calm (she is particularly poised throughout all the activity), Nyong’o said she’s “still taking it day by day. Presence has gotten me this far, I think it will get me to the finish line and beyond, hopefully.”